
The Selection Dilemma:
Kohli’s Return: Kohli’s record in ODIs is unparalleled, with him being on the cusp of becoming the third batter to reach 14,000 runs in the format. His return would undoubtedly strengthen India’s lineup, but at whose expense?
Team Balance: Captain Rohit Sharma prefers a stable team composition, often sticking to a winning formula. Yet, Kohli’s inclusion would mean a forced change, disrupting the balance achieved in the first game.
Potential Changes:
Yashasvi Jaiswal Likely to Sit Out: The consensus from multiple sources, including posts on social media and articles from sports news platforms, leans towards Jaiswal being the one to make way. His debut performance didn’t create an indelible mark, and with Kohli’s vast experience and form in ODIs, Jaiswal appears to be the more likely candidate to be rested.
Shreyas Iyer’s Position: Despite Iyer’s impressive performance, his spot might be debated. However, given his recent contributions and the fact that he can offer part-time bowling, he might have a slight edge over Jaiswal. Dropping Iyer could be seen as a harsh call, especially after his match-winning knock.
Alternative Scenarios: There’s also speculation about adjusting the batting order. Shubman Gill, who has been performing well as an opener, could potentially move down if Jaiswal is retained for his left-right opening combination with Rohit Sharma.
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed Kohli’s fitness, stating he’s “good to go” for the second match. Various reports and social media posts have echoed this sentiment, with many predicting Kohli’s return at the expense of Jaiswal due to his debut performance.